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Rubbing alcohol can be an effective pesticide for use against aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and whiteflies . A few plants -- such as the African violet (Saintpaulia spp.), which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 11 but is often grown as an annual or houseplant -- are sensitive to rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol may burn the plant leaves.

1

Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 9 parts water in a pitcher or other container and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

2

Spray a small part of the infected plant with the rubbing alcohol and water solution. Wait two days and look for signs of alcohol burn on the leaves, or any other adverse reaction to the rubbing alcohol on your plant. If you see any signs, do not use the spray on your plant. If the spray did not affect the plant, you can use it to treat the pests.

3

Spray the affected parts of the plant, ensuring the solution makes contact with the pest. If the pest infection is minimal, you can spot treat the pests rather than spraying the entire plant.

4

Dip the tip of a cotton swab into full-strength rubbing alcohol. Swab each pest you see with the rubbing alcohol. Dip the swab as often as necessary to keep the cotton wet so the rubbing alcohol will coat the pests. Use a different swab for each treated plant.

5

Allow the rubbing alcohol to dry on the pests for about five hours. Rinse the alcohol from the plant with clean water.

6

Repeat the rubbing alcohol treatment weekly until the pests are gone.

Things You Will Need

Measuring cup

Pitcher

Spray bottle

Cotton swabs

Tips

Aphids are tiny bugs that may be white, yellow, green or other colors depending on the species. They leave sticky honeydew on the plant and are often found on the undersides of leaves. Affected plants may have yellowing leaves.

Mealybugs are tiny bugs that also cause yellowing of leaves. They may appear as a white, powdery substance under leaves and along stems.

Spider mites look like moving dots on leaves. They are easier to spot from the webbing they leave in the foliage. They may cause stippling on leaves.

Whiteflies are tiny winged insects that also excrete honeydew and cause yellowing leaves. They lay eggs on the undersides of leaves.

About the Author

Jill Kokemuller has been writing since 2010, with work published in the "Daily Gate City." She spent six years working in a private boarding school, where her focus was English, algebra and geometry. Kokemuller is an authorized substitute teacher and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa.